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RAC Magazine is the leading source of news, information and analysis for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. For over a century, RAC has provided decision makers with unrivalled coverage of the latest technical innovations that drive this sector.

Boldon factory ordered to close water cooling towers

Health and safety bosses have ordered a South Tyneside factory at the heart of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak to close four cooling towers after ‘significant’ quantities of bacteria were found at the site, Shields Gazette has reported.

Four workers and a resident whose garden overlooks the Faltec Europe factory, in Boldon Business Park, have contracted the potentially fatal lung condition since October - with four cases confirmed in the last two months.

All required hospital treatment but have since been discharged.

As part of an investigation into the infection, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has served a prohibition notice on the firm.

The prohibition notice stops the operation of four cooling towers at Faltec site in Boldon, where four employees and a nearby resident have been infected by legionella bacteria.

Sampling of the water systems has identified the presence of significant quantities of the legionella bacteria.

The company has locked off the cooling towers and carried out disinfection and control procedures.

The cooling towers will not be allowed to be brought back into operation until the company have satisfied HSE that the risks from exposure to legionella bacteria are being adequately controlled.

An improvement notice has also been served on the company requiring them to improve the management of their water systems at the site in relation to the legionella risk.

HSE says it will continue to monitor the site and work with Public Health England (PHE) and South Tyneside Council to ensure that risks to employees and members of the public are properly controlled.

A comprehensive and cutting-edge event, the conference ensures engineering and facilities management teams are able to prevent legionella bacteria from developing and comply with water safety regulations.

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RAC Magazine is the leading source of news, information and analysis for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. For over a century, RAC has provided decision makers with unrivalled coverage of the latest technical innovations that drive this sector.